Sam Tordoff: “This car does everything better”

Sam Tordoff insists he isn’t getting carried away heading into the BTCC season opener at Brands Hatch this weekend, despite now being at the wheel of a car that he feels “does everything that little bit better” than those he has raced in the past.

Tordoff switches to Cobra Sport AmD for the 2019 season to drive one of the ex-Eurotech Honda Civic Type Rs and has been quick throughout testing – culminating in him topping the times in record breaking fashion during the season launch at Brands Hatch.

It leaves the former series runner-up in a strong place going into the first three races of the year but he said he was keeping his feet on the ground when it comes to expectations despite being tipped as one of the men to beat.

“Testing has gone really well over the past month and we have been quick at every circuit we have been to, which gives me a lot of confidence going into the opening round,” he said.

“So far, the Honda has proved to be everything I expected from it and more besides. When you hear people say how good a car is, you expect there to be something that isn’t quite right but it really is that good. It does everything that little bit better than the cars I have driven before and that combines to make a great package. The new Swindon engine is also a big improvement from when I last raced with one in my MG days.

“Despite what we have done in testing, it’s important that we don’t get carried away going into Brands Hatch as the season is long and there are lots of twist and turns ahead. I saw first hand last year how important it is to finish races well and keep scoring points, and not being able to do that through no fault of my own really cost me.

“This time around, I want to make sure that the season starts with three good top ten finishes and then we can look to build on that when we move on to Donington.”

Team-mate Rory Butcher was also well inside the top ten during the Brands Hatch test but like Tordoff, he admitted he was looking at the bigger picture going into round one.

“It’s clear to see that the Honda is a big step forward from the MG we had last year,” he said. “The shorter wheelbase helps, and there are a few key areas where it is stronger. When you combine them together – and add in the development that has gone into the car – you can see how good it is.

“It’s a long season, which is something we need to remember, and the aim this weekend is to try and start on a high. Improving in qualifying is one key thing for me this year and I want to come away from Brands Hatch having put some good points on the board.”